Clinton Center on Dean Kumpuris

Artist Bio: My name is Maya Griffin. I am 18 years old and a senior at Little Rock Christian Academy. I have always been interested in art but lately it has become a true passion of mine. I have been a figure skater for 16 years and I am ranked as a double gold level figure skater. Last year I participated in the 2017 Drain Smart competition and am thrilled to participate for 2018. One of my paintings won 2nd place in the Fine Arts competition at my school and another painting of mine won “Best Painting” in the 2017 Governor’s Young Artist Competition. I also have experience in graphic design through an internship at Boulton Creative in North Carolina during January of 2017. Recently, the Arkansas Art Center chose my painting, “Skipping Stones,” as 1 of 8 pieces from Arkansas seniors for the Young Arkansas Artist Exhibition.

Design Concept: In this piece, I created an endearing, lovable, and youthful turtle with a contrasting personality. Having him filling the space commands the audience's attention and draws them in to listen to the turtle’s words. With the use of a pun the turtle hints at a slightly explicit word to make the audience aware of the turtle’s opinion while still leaving his precious appearance and personality intact. This catches the observer's attention using humor in a playful way which makes sure that the remark is not offensive. The main purpose of this piece is to use the turtle as an advocate for promoting cleanliness within the Arkansas rivers and stand as an example of an animal that can be affected by pollution at home.

Maya Griffin

Tub the Turtle

Tina Oppenheimer

Angels Eye View

Artist Bio: A relentless individualist, I was always “artistic” and particularly liked to draw. I was enveloped in the ornamentalism of old European craftsmanship while a teen at Moseley Road School of Art in Birmingham, England. “Wall” art started to seem frivolous to me. At that point, I committed my creativity to art that was functional. Though I always continued drawing, I poured my “art” into crocheting. The hook was my brush, the yarn my paint; creating things to be used, worn, walked on, sat upon, wrapped in and snuggled under. In the 70s, I came to Arkansas as a gypsy back-to-the-lander. With a continued commitment to utilitarian art, I began my greeting card business, Ozark Cards, twenty-five years ago. My original, hand-glittered cards are widely available throughout Little Rock, Northwest Arkansas, and at ozarkcards.com. I earn a living making these greeting cards. In February 2018, I had a show of my crocheted art at The Bank of Fayetteville. In 2013, I started painting storm drains & utility boxes in Fayetteville.
 
Design Concept: This Angels Eye View has the city and surrounding countryside gravitationally being drawn, blending and flowing together into the rivers.

Emmanuel ​Rice

Oh! What A View!

Artist Bio: I’m originally from Pine Bluff. I’m passionate about art. Ever since I can remember I’ve been surrounded by art. I manage security at the Arkansas Arts Center. Working there keeps me in the world of art that I have come to love so much.
 
Design Concept: I know the importance of wildlife conservation because I was raised in the Natural State. In my piece I wanted to show the city from nature's point of view.